Welcome to The Plain Janes Journal; Don't just exist, live!
We focus on people's lives and how they arrived to where they are today. Each month we will be celebrating individuals and their experiences.
Say hello to Camilla, the beautiful founder of Unfolded, a Central Coast and Sydney based Interior Design practice. Here we talk about her insights into starting her own business, emerging interior trends of 2024, her stand out projects to date and we have a little laugh at the not so glamorous side of being a creative.
Brit: Unfolded has entered its 5th year of business! Congratulations, how does this
make you feel?
Camilla: Oh thank you! I feel happy and content with how the business is
running and what we’ve achieved to date. We have a few exciting projects in store for 2024, including starting our own industry podcast: Behind the Design that launched just last month.
Brit: Unfolded looks very glamorous, you get to work with beautiful brands and
homes. Behind all of the beauty, I’m sure there is a lot of hustle, so what does it
really entail starting up and running your own business / brand in the Interior Styling industry?
Camilla: I had to have a little laugh to myself because it’s so true… there
is so much to be said about the images we share of completed interior projects,
supplier events and the beauty behind Unfolded however some days are
challenging, long and tiring. Starting your own interior design brand means being
committed to backing yourself, not only in your ideas, dreams and goals for the
business itself, but in the day to day.
They say “comparison is the thief of joy” so staying focused and in your own lane
is key. Plus motivating yourself and reminding yourself it’s all worth it is so
important in running a small (and successful) business.
Brit: As much as it may come naturally to some, being creative can be exhausting,
constantly researching, mood boarding, traveling etc. Where do you draw
inspiration from?
Camilla: When we start new projects, or I am needing to “think outside
the box” for Unfolded content for example, I like to allow myself a few days to
process the brief. There is a lot online however it can all become a bit consuming. I am a visual person so need to experience and / or explore outside, go for walks, sit in the sun, listen to acoustic music etc. I put my phone on do not disturb, with a pen and paper to get in the zone and let the ideas come to me.
I also love watching Grand Designs as there are some very talented people
creating and building incredible (outside the box) designs; always broadening my
perspective and introducing me to new materials, styles, and general approach to
design.
Brit: Do you have a standout project that you have worked on to date? Why is it your favourite?
Camilla: We have three coming up this year that I can’t wait to share with you
however to date, I would say our Vaucluse project. This project was an extension to an existing home, and we absolutely loved recreating the space to offer a more open plan design, far more natural light (with the use of skylights in the living area) and simply a fresher, more timeless palette for the client. We were also able to furnish and style the space for this particular client, showcasing a fully completed space.
Brit: For those wanting a little more insider info, what is the process like working with you, from booking you to the end result?
Camilla: Whether it’s a renovation, a new build or a styling project, our process always begins with an initial consultation either on site with our clients or over the phone. This conversation helps us determine the scale of the project, key requirements and how we can assist our clients in meeting their needs.
For example, if the project is a new build we enter into the first phase of the project: the conceptual phase. This phase is essentially a well articulated vision board, working from the architectural plans from the ground up. We can then enter the design development phase (second phase) with confidence in the style and structural aspects of the build. Our final phase completes the space, offering a full scale furnishings package. This covers any loose fitting items for the project including all furniture, rugs, artworks and mirrors.
Brit: Within your industry, if there is one big emerging trend for 2024, what would you say it is?
Camilla: Japandi style interiors. Japandi is a mixture of Scandinavian design and Japandi design (hence the name) and is received well by many. It’s neutral,
textural, versatile and timeless so it’s a popular choice for renovators who wants
to adopt a style and palettes that’s trending now but also stands the test of time.
Brit: Can you describe yourself with 3 words only?
Camilla: Playful, compassionate, and curious.
Brit: Where is your favourite holiday destination and where are you off to next?
Camilla: Spain. And very timely, I have just booked a 3-week trip in September with one of my best friends who’s Spanish. Bring on the Tempranillo and tapas.
Brit: You always look so put together, can you describe your daily style.. If you were
to walk into Plain Janes today, what would you buy?
Camilla: Oh thank you. Hmmm I am all about investment pieces and designs that last me throughout the seasons. My go-to would be the GiGi Shirt and Emery Pant by PIPPA The Label – the set can be worn together or separately and is so timeless.
Discover more about Unfolded by visiting their website unfolded.com.au